Visiting ARTVO at The District Docklands with Grandkids
A visit to ArtVo Immersive Gallery at The District Docklands offers something a little different to do with the grandkids in Melbourne.
Part art gallery, part photography playground, ARTVO invites visitors to step inside large-scale 3D murals and become part of the artwork. One moment you’re balancing on a cliff edge, the next you’re escaping a giant octopus or surfing a wave. It’s a fun, hands-on experience that encourages families to get creative with their photos.
Terrie recently visited with her grandchildren and discovered that the real magic of ARTVO isn’t just seeing the artworks – it’s stepping into them together. It’s also a great opportunity for a full day out at the Docklands.
The District Docklands and Artvo
Nanna’s Review
It was school holidays, and we had the opportunity for a family outing with our daughter, her husband and our two grandchildren, aged 10 and 5, who were visiting us from Sydney.
Living in Drysdale, we suggested travelling on the Port Phillip Ferry from Portarlington to Docklands. The beautiful weather made it a very pleasant journey.
The ferry is very comfortable and easy with restless children, as they can move around and enjoy the scenery. We didn’t see any dolphins this time, but my favourite part is going under the West Gate Bridge — amazing.
We decided to walk from the ferry terminal to The District Docklands, although there is a tram available if you prefer.
We had fun exploring the shops first. I was thrilled to revisit the souvenir shop and purchased a beautiful piece of jewellery as a birthday gift. I also bought another T-shirt from Uniqlo. Our family was excited to discover that Toyworld had a half-price sale throughout the store, so quite a few purchases were made there. Even the grandchildren spent some of their pocket money.
We again enjoyed the spaciousness of the complex. Although we used escalators between the different shopping areas, the entire precinct is wheelchair accessible, with lifts connecting the various levels.
For lunch, we chose Korean BBQ. The buffet, combined with the BBQ experience, was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, young and old.
Next stop was ArtVo Immersive Gallery. This was a new experience for our young family, and we all had so much fun posing and fooling around in the different themed rooms. We spent nearly two hours there!
After all our activities, we were ready to head home, although there are plenty of other entertainment options in this complex that we will leave for another visit when the family comes again.
Both my husband and I enjoyed this outing very much, and we agreed it would also make a great social outing for a group of friends, whether retired or not.
What Is ARTVO?
ArtVo Immersive Gallery is Australia’s first immersive “trick art” gallery.
Instead of traditional paintings hanging on walls, ARTVO features enormous floor-to-ceiling murals designed using clever perspective techniques. When viewed through a camera, these artworks appear three-dimensional, allowing visitors to pose inside the scenes.
The result? Photos that make it look like you’re:
- climbing snowy mountains
- walking a tightrope over a canyon
- flying with birds
- being chased by dinosaurs
- or floating through outer space
For grandparents visiting with younger children, it’s an experience that invites everyone to play along. And the photos become wonderful souvenirs of the day.
What to Expect When You Visit
A typical visit to ARTVO takes around 60 to 90 minutes, though families often stay longer if the kids are having fun staging photos.
The gallery is divided into themed zones, including:
- Fantasy worlds
- Ocean adventures
- Wild animals
- Famous landmarks
- Pop culture scenes
Helpful floor markings show you exactly where to stand for the best camera angle, so you don’t need to be a professional photographer to get great shots.
Staff members are also happy to help take group photos if everyone wants to appear in the picture together.
Practical Tips for Visiting Artvo
A few simple tips can make your visit even smoother.
1. Bring your phone or camera
It’s BYO camera. Photos are the whole point of the experience, so make sure your phone is charged and ready.
2. Wear comfortable shoes
You’ll be walking through several rooms and posing in different scenes.
3. Allow plenty of time
Children often want to revisit favourite scenes or try new poses.
4. Visit on weekday mornings if possible
Weekends and school holidays can be busy, so quieter weekday sessions can be more relaxed with younger grandchildren.
5. Use your Seniors Card discount
Tickets are reduced to $25 with your Seniors Card discount. Adults are $30 and children 5 – 15 years are $15.
6. Combine it with lunch or a treat
Because ARTVO sits inside The District Docklands, there are plenty of nearby cafés and family-friendly restaurants to round out the outing.
Related reading: Plan the Perfect Midweek Visit to The District Docklands
Accessibility at Artvo
Artvo is wheelchair and pram accessible with clear paths and access.
The District Docklands is generally very good for mobility needs, with lifts and accessible toilets located throughout. The precinct has step-free access and plenty of seating areas.
Download the Docklands Mobility Map here, which clearly shows accessible toilets, parking bays, step-free entry and exit points, as well as other helpful features for a smooth visit.
Getting There
The District Docklands is easy to reach from the city.
By Car – Parking is available onsite with heaps of street parking and other parking lots nearby. Lifts provide step-free access from car parks.
By Tram – Routes 70, 86, and 35 City Circle stop at Harbour Esplanade, a short walk from the precinct.
By Train – Southern Cross Station is the nearest hub. Take a tram from Spencer Street, about 10–15 minutes.
By Bus – Services stop on Docklands Drive and Harbour Esplanade.
On Foot – Flat, step-free paths from NewQuay Promenade and Victoria Harbour, with plenty of resting spots.
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
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